Dubai Metro Zones & Fares
Complete guide to metro tickets, pricing, zones, and Nol cards for affordable travel across Dubai
Understanding Dubai Metro Zone System
Dubai Metro operates across 7 fare zones on both Red and Green Lines. Your ticket price depends on how many zones you travel through.
What Are Zones?
The Dubai Metro network is divided into 7 geographical zones that determine fare calculation. Each station belongs to a specific zone, and your fare is calculated based on the number of zones crossed during your journey.
The zone system ensures fair pricing - shorter trips cost less than longer journeys, making public transport affordable for everyone.
Zone Distribution
Red Line Zones: The Red Line spans from Rashidiya to UAE Exchange, covering zones 1-7 across 37 stations.
Green Line Zones: The Green Line runs from Etisalat to Creek, intersecting with multiple zones and connecting key areas.
Major interchange stations like Union and BurJuman allow seamless transfers between lines.
How Fares Work
Metro fares are calculated using a simple formula:
- 1 Zone: AED 3 (Silver) / AED 6 (Gold)
- 2 Zones: AED 5 (Silver) / AED 10 (Gold)
- 3+ Zones: AED 7.50 (Silver) / AED 15 (Gold)
Use our fare calculator below to determine your exact trip cost!
Pro Tip: Check Your Station Zone
Before traveling, check which zone your departure and arrival stations belong to. You can find this information on station maps, the RTA Dubai app, or our interactive stations guide. Knowing your zones helps you choose the right ticket and avoid overpaying.
Dubai Metro Fare Tables 2025
Current ticket prices for all travel classes and journey types
Standard Journey Fares
| Zones Crossed | Silver Class | Gold Class | Red Ticket (One-time) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Zone | AED 3 | AED 6 | AED 4 |
| 2 Zones | AED 5 | AED 10 | AED 6 |
| 3+ Zones | AED 7.50 | AED 15 | AED 8.50 |
Nol Card Costs
| Card Type | Card Cost | Refundable Deposit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Ticket | AED 2 | Non-refundable | Tourists, single trips (10 uses max) |
| Silver Card | AED 25 | AED 19 refundable | Regular commuters, rechargeable |
| Gold Card | AED 25 | AED 19 refundable | Premium travel, Gold Class access |
| Blue Card | Free | N/A | People of Determination (disabled) |
Daily & Monthly Passes
Daily Pass: AED 20 (Silver) or AED 40 (Gold) - Unlimited travel for 24 hours across all zones. Perfect for tourists exploring multiple attractions in one day.
Monthly Pass: AED 350 (Silver) or AED 700 (Gold) - Unlimited travel for 30 days. Ideal for daily commuters who travel frequently.
Note: Passes are available on Silver and Gold Nol cards only. Purchase at metro station ticket offices or vending machines.
Types of Nol Cards
Choose the right Nol card for your travel needs in Dubai
Red Ticket
Temporary Paper Ticket
- Perfect for tourists and occasional riders
- Valid for 10 trips maximum
- Available at all metro stations
- AED 2 card fee (non-refundable)
- Slightly higher per-trip fare
- No recharge needed - buy as needed
Silver Card
Standard Rechargeable Card
- Most popular choice for residents
- Rechargeable and reusable
- AED 25 initial cost (AED 19 refundable)
- Lower per-trip fares
- Access to Silver Class cabins
- Valid for 5 years
- Can be used on buses and trams too
Gold Card
Premium Rechargeable Card
- Premium travel experience
- Exclusive access to Gold Class cabins
- AED 25 initial cost (AED 19 refundable)
- More spacious and comfortable seating
- Less crowded during peak hours
- Higher fare rate (double Silver)
- Valid for 5 years
Blue Card
People of Determination
- Free card for eligible individuals
- For People of Determination (disabled)
- Special discounted fares
- Priority seating and access
- Requires eligibility verification
- Apply at customer service centers
Metro Fare Calculator
Calculate your exact metro fare based on zones traveled
Calculate Your Fare
Your Estimated Fare:
Money-Saving Tips
Get the most value from your Dubai Metro travel
Get a Silver Card
If you're staying in Dubai for more than a few days, invest in a Silver Nol card. The AED 19 deposit is refundable, and you'll save money on each trip compared to Red Tickets. Plus, it works on buses and trams!
Consider Daily Passes
Planning to visit multiple attractions in one day? The AED 20 daily pass (Silver) offers unlimited travel and pays for itself after just 3-4 trips. Perfect for tourists on sightseeing days.
Plan Your Route
Minimize zones crossed by planning efficient routes. Sometimes a slightly longer journey through fewer zones costs less. Use our interactive metro map to plan optimal routes.
Travel Off-Peak
While metro fares don't vary by time, traveling during off-peak hours (10am-4pm and after 8pm) means less crowded trains and more comfortable journeys at the same price.
Use RTA Dubai App
Download the official RTA Dubai app to check real-time fares, recharge your Nol card online, and plan trips. It shows exact fare breakdowns before you travel.
Combine with Other Transport
Your Nol card works on metro, buses, trams, and water buses. Combining different transport modes with strategic planning can save both time and money for certain routes.
Ready to Explore Dubai by Metro?
Find stations, check timings, and plan your perfect journey across Dubai's efficient metro network
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dubai Metro zones and fares
Each metro station displays its zone number on platform signage and maps. You can also check the RTA Dubai app, official RTA website, or our comprehensive stations guide. Zone information is clearly marked at ticket gates and on station maps.
Gold Class offers more spacious seating, less crowded cabins, and premium comfort. It costs exactly double the Silver Class fare. Gold Class is located at the front of every train and requires a Gold Nol card or Gold Class ticket. Silver Class provides standard comfortable seating and is perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
No, each passenger must have their own Nol card or ticket. The gates are designed to accept one card per person, and using one card for multiple passengers is not permitted and may result in fines.
The metro system automatically calculates zones traveled. If your Nol card has insufficient balance when exiting, you'll need to top up at the station before exiting. Red Ticket holders must ensure they purchase tickets for the correct zones before travel. Traveling without valid fare may result in penalties up to AED 200.
Special concession fares are available for students and senior citizens (UAE nationals over 60). Eligible individuals can apply for personalized Nol cards at RTA customer service centers with required documentation. People of Determination receive free Blue Nol cards with discounted fares.
Silver and Gold Nol cards are valid for 5 years from the date of purchase. Red Tickets are valid for 90 days and can be used up to 10 times. Any remaining balance on expired cards can be transferred to new cards at RTA customer service centers.
Nol cards can be purchased and recharged at: ticket vending machines in all metro stations, RTA customer service centers, authorized retail outlets (supermarkets, gas stations), and online through the RTA Dubai app or website. Minimum recharge is typically AED 10.
Monthly passes (AED 350 Silver / AED 700 Gold) are economical if you make at least 2 trips daily for 22+ working days per month. Calculate your typical monthly metro usage: if it exceeds AED 350, a monthly pass saves money. Daily commuters find monthly passes very cost-effective.
Additional Resources
Metro Rules
Familiarize yourself with Dubai Metro rules and regulations to avoid fines. Learn about prohibited items, behavior guidelines, and safety requirements.
Metro Lines
Explore detailed information about Red Line, Green Line, and the upcoming Blue Line. Find stations, routes, and connections for efficient travel planning.
Popular Destinations
Discover how to reach Dubai's top attractions via metro. From Burj Khalifa to Dubai Mall, find the nearest stations and travel tips.